As wide-scale employment needs shift and major economic and societal trends affect the labor market, different professions move into and out of “fashion.” However, certain industries and job types will always experience a baseline demand that can weather even dramatic external changes. The medical field is one of the job market’s strongest examples of this.
Within the field, certain positions and job types can still experience spikes in demand and need that can propel careers to even higher levels of job security and compensation. Knowing where demand is rising can help you choose a strategic career trajectory that lands you in a secure job with a high degree of moveability, demand, and choice.
What is a Family Nurse Practitioner?
One such role within the medical field that is currently experiencing this upward trend in demand is that of Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). Nurse Practitioners (NP’s) are nurses by training that have completed postgraduate work and practice at a higher technical level than Registered Nurses (RN’s). A Family Nurse Practitioner is a specialized NP that has been trained to address the particular needs of families and family members. Equipped to work with entire family units, FNP’s are generalists that are able to help with ailments and health needs experienced by infants to seniors and across a range of individuals.
FNP’s might work in several different medical care provision settings. FNP’s could practice in a hospital but are often found in outpatient clinics, community health centers, and private practices. They may work in a team, alongside an MD or physician, or may practice independently. Unlike RN’s, who cannot provide medical care independently and must work under a more highly credentialed care provider, FNP’s can operate as autonomous care providers and thus have more flexibility in choosing where and how they work best.
Current Demand in the Nurse Practitioner Space
As mentioned above, the need for NP’s and FNP’s is projected to increase substantially over the coming decade. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the number of jobs for practitioners of this kind will increase by as much as 45% between 2020 and 2030. This is much faster than the average job type and indicates strong market demand and job security for those who are entering or are planning to enter the field soon.
How to Pursue a Job as an FNP
If you are interested in pursuing a career as an FNP, the path can sometimes seem daunting or convoluted. Nursing is a broad field that can be entered via multiple starting points. To streamline your trajectory and help you make efficient decisions, here is an introductory guide to how you would pursue a career as an FNP.
If you do not yet have a bachelor’s degree, your optimal first step is to earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BN). Earning your BN degree will also qualify you to take the exam required to become a Registered Nurse (RN) and be licensed to practice professionally. A BN degree is a prerequisite for almost any postgraduate nursing program. Though you can become licensed and access nursing careers after shorter certificate programs, these often won’t fulfill prerequisite requirements for the schooling needed to become an FNP.
If you already have a bachelor’s degree in something other than nursing but are interested in pursuing a nursing career, some FNP Master’s programs will accept other bachelor’s degrees with minimal additional prerequisite requirements. When researching Master’s-level FNP programs, check with an admission’s counselor to see whether your Bachelor’s degree will be sufficient – if not on its own, it may be easily augmentable with just a class or two.
However your particular path looks, you’ll need to become eligible to take the exam necessary in your state to become a licensed RN. If you did not earn a BSN, this may be accommodated by your Master’s-level program.
Once you have earned your Bachelor’s degree, it’s time to choose an FNP Master’s program that will best meet your unique needs and goals. A number of highly-reputed in-person and online FNP programs are available across the country and range by faculty type and focus, available emphases, class structure, and state licensing. Check to make sure the program you’re interested in can license you for the state in which you’d like to practice.
After earning your MSN-FNP degree you are fully qualified academically to pursue a job as an FNP and can be well on your way to enjoying a strong, fulfilling career.
